Parishioner preview: Holy Trinity members tour new church

Members of Holiy Trinity Parish in Oconto visited the new church's new sanctuary, which has been under construction since May, on Dec. 15 and 16. The new structure will be dedicated on Dec. 27.(Photo: Courtesy Holy Trinity Parish)

OCONTO – Hundreds of Holy Trinity parishioners took the opportunity to sign the sanctuary subfloor during tours of the nearly-completed church last month.

Though their names will soon be covered by the finish flooring, it was “just a way to leave their mark on our little piece of history,” said Danielle Perrizo, a member of the church’s finance council.

The crowd – visiting after Mass on Dec. 15 and 16 – was generally impressed by the new church, which has been under construction since spring.

“The overwhelming response was summed up by ‘wow,’” Perrizo said. “The crisp, clean lines of new construction were evident, but it was the overall traditional feel of the new church that warmed the hearts.”

The opening Mass and dedication of the new church is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27. Bishop David Ricken will celebrate Mass and bless the new church. Everyone is invited.

Ricken was also present for the groundbreaking in May for the structure, which is an addition to the current parish hall. There is a new entrance on the west side of the hall and a 325-seat sanctuary extending from the east side.

Holy Trinity parishioners look at some of the signatures of members on subflooring around the altar of the new church during a tour on Dec. 15-16.(Photo: Courtesy Holy Trinity)

The journey to the new church began in the late 1990s under Father Dave Ruby, who initiated a campaign to create funds for the construction of a new facility. While it didn’t result in the construction of a new church at the time, those funds were set aside and created a stepping stone that made the new church a reality.

In 2014, under Father Joel Sember, a new fundraising campaign was undertaken. By time of the groundbreaking, Holy Trinity had $2 million on hand.

Total cost of the project is $2.7 million. The balance will be borrowed.

Perrizo said it’s a bittersweet time for many members as the final Masses are being held in the current church, which has been use nearly 150 years and is at the end of its useful life. Originally christened St. Joseph, it became Holy Trinity in 1996 when it merged with St. Peter Parish.

Many of features of Holy Trinity will be incorporated into the new structure, though, including stained glass windows and the Stations of the Cross.

Perrizo said the Holy Trinity community is thankful and feeling very blessed for their new home for worship.

“The community can continue to look forward to sharing in the great events hosted by the church, such as the fish fry, turkey dinners, church picnics, and annual church auction," she said.